Justin Abdelkader required stitches in his left hand after a fight with Pittsburgh's Robert Bortuzzo near the end of Wednesday's preseason match. He took part in Thursday's practice though, so it doesn't look like the injury will be much of an issue. Abdelkader has a legitimate shot to begin the season on a line with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.

Justin Abdelkader enjoyed another strong scrimmage alongside Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg on Sunday. He had a goal and two assists in the contest. Abdelkader has made it hard for the Wings to experiment with other wingers for Datsyuk and Zetterberg because he's looked so good alongside them. Look for the trio to get some preseason action together.

Justin Abdelkader skated with Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk in Thursday's intrasquad scrimmage. Abdelkader potted two goals, while Datsyuk and Zetterberg produced one marker apiece, in Team Delvecchio's 4-0 win against Team Howe. Abdelkader feels be can "bring something different to that line," but he isn't sure if he'll get that chance when the regular season opens. Coach Mike Babcock wouldn't be surprised if the Abdelkader took big strides forward this season. "He's 26 years old, it's about that time to become a player in league, it takes that long," Babcock said. "He has confidence. Going to the (U.S.) Olympic camp hasn't hurt. You shoot two in the net, you just begin to think that's your job." Abdelkader has grit and he can finish scoring opportunities, so he could be a savvy pick in the latter rounds of your draft if he can stay on Detroit's top line.

Justin Abdelkader could line up anywhere this year, according to coach Mike Babcock. He spent some time with Pavel Datsyuk last season and could do so again this year. Abdellader could also play alongside Stephen Weiss on the second unit or skate on the Wings' third unit. The physical winger shouldn't be counted for much in the way of offense even if he gets a top-six role, but he can rack up hits and penalty minutes with more more ice time. Still, it's worth monitoring where he ends up after training camp.

Justin Abdelkader took a big step forward in 2013. Abdelkader ended up getting playing time with Pavel Datsyuk. "The biggest improvement out of anybody has been Justin Abdelkader," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "He was our fourth-line center (to start the season) and suddenly he's playing with Pavel and he's a dominant, physical guy for our team." He still isn't getting a ton of points despite his top-six role, but he's worth keeping a close eye on going into the 2013-14 campaign.

Justin Abdelkader has grown into a top-six forward. Abdelkader's physical play in the main reason he's moved up in the depth charts, but he also has some offensive upside. He had two goals and three points in five games in the first round. If he can continue to get top-six minutes next season, he'll be a candidate for a breakout season.

Justin Abdelkader will rejoin Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg on Detroit's top line. Abdelkader was suspended and thus forced to miss Detroit's previous two games. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said getting Abdelkader back would be "huge." Abdelkader doesn't put up a lot of points, but he'll create space for Datsyuk and Zetterberg. "I think he makes Z and Pav way better," Babcock said. "That'll really help."

Justin Abdelkader has completed his two-game suspension. Abdelkader is eligible to return to the Red Wings' lineup on Friday. He was punished for his hit on Anaheim's Toni Lydman, which left Lydman with a head injury.

Justin Abdelkader, who received a two-game suspension Sunday for his hit on Anaheim's Toni Lydman, said Monday that he didn't want to hurt the Ducks defenseman. "With the hit Saturday, there was no intent to injure," he said. "I don't mean to injure anyone, or put them in harm. I have respect for everyone in this hockey league. You know, it's a privilege that we get to play in the NHL. I play a hard game, I play physical. You know, it's a fast game. Things happen really fast out there." Abdelkader leads the Red Wings with 11 shots and seven hits during these playoffs, so his presence in the lineup will be missed. He won't be eligible to return until Game 6 on Friday, but Detroit will have to win at least one more game to make that meeting possible.

The NHL handed Justin Abdelkader a two-game suspension for his hit on Toni Lydman from Game 3 of the Red Wings-Ducks series, according to MLive.com. That's the same punishment Eric Gryba received for his hit on Lars Eller. Some might have expected more considering the circumstances, but the NHL generally plays by its own arbitrary set of rules when it comes to discipline.